Suppository Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
suppository
[sษหpษzษชtษri ]
Definition
medical use
A suppository is a small, solid medical dosage form that is intended to be inserted into the rectum, vagina, or urethra. It is designed to melt at body temperature to deliver medication directly into the bloodstream or the affected area. Suppositories can be used for various purposes, including the treatment of constipation, nausea, and pain relief. They are often a preferred method of administration when oral intake is not possible or effective.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The doctor prescribed a suppository for my severe constipation.
- She used a suppository to relieve her nausea quickly.
- Suppositories can provide a more direct effect than oral medications.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Medical Use
- Suppositories are often used for delivering medication when patients cannot take pills or liquids, such as in children or during certain medical conditions.
- They can deliver medications like pain relievers, laxatives, and even hormones directly into the bloodstream for quicker effects.
Historical Context
- Ancient Egyptians and Greeks used methods similar to suppositories for medicinal purposes, often using plants and herbs.
- In medieval times, various forms of internal remedies were used in Europe, suggesting a long history of internal medicine practices.
Forms and Varieties
- There are various types of suppositories, including those made from cocoa butter, glycerin, or polyethylene glycol, serving different medicinal purposes.
- Some suppositories are designed for local effects, like treating hemorrhoids, while others aim for systemic effects, like medication distribution in the body.
Pop Culture
- Despite its medical use, suppositories often evoke humor in films and television due to their unexpected method of administration.
- Several comedians and authors have referenced the use of suppositories in their works, highlighting the taboo and discomfort surrounding the topic.
Origin of 'suppository'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'supponere' which means 'to put under' or 'to place under'.
- The term has been in use since the early 16th century, originally referring to anything placed beneath another.
The term 'suppository' has its roots in Latin, originating from the word 'supponere', which means 'to put under'. This word is a combination of 'sub-', meaning 'under', and 'ponere', meaning 'to place'. Its use in the medical field dates back to ancient times, when various cultures utilized similar forms for medicinal purposes. First recorded in the early 17th century, the concept of introducing substances into the body via the rectal or vaginal route became more common as medicine advanced. Over time, the formulation of suppositories evolved, with the introduction of various bases, such as cocoa butter and glycerin, to improve their effectiveness and ease of use. Today, suppositories have become an integral part of pharmacotherapy, catering to diverse medical needs.